Imagine using an app that not only helps you reduce your carbon footprint but also ensures your data is secure, promotes digital inclusion for all, and fosters community well-being. This vision is the focus of a groundbreaking study from Norwegian University of Science and Technology [63.4°N, 10.3°E], who explored how social sustainability — a concept often overshadowed by environmental efforts — can be woven into the software we use daily.
Social sustainability focuses on creating software that supports fairness, equity, and long-term societal well-being. Think of apps designed with accessibility features for people with disabilities, platforms that prioritise user privacy, or tools that help communities collaborate on local sustainability projects. The study highlights three key pillars:
- Social Justice: Ensuring software is inclusive, transparent, and respects human rights.
- Social Development: Promoting health, education, and community-building through tech.
- Personal Growth: Encouraging user engagement and safety in digital spaces.
For example, a Norwegian startup in the study developed a web tool to improve digital literacy among older adults — a direct boost to social sustainability.
The Gap Between Theory and Practice
While many developers care about these issues, the study found a major hurdle: knowing how to act. Software teams often lack guidance to integrate social sustainability into their workflows. As one participant noted, “We’re already contributing to social goals without realizing it.” This disconnect means missed opportunities to amplify positive impacts through tech.
Enter the “Walkthrough”: A Tool for Change
To bridge this gap, researchers created the Walkthrough — a step-by-step guide to help developers identify and prioritise social sustainability actions. Think of it as a checklist that asks questions like:
- Does our software address diverse user needs?
- Are we protecting user data ethically?
- How can we foster community through our platform?
In pilot tests, developers praised the Walkthrough for sparking critical discussions. One team realised their app unintentionally supported social goals, inspiring them to intentionally expand these features.
Why This Matters for Sustainable Living
This research offers two key takeaways:
- Tech That Aligns With Your Values
Sustainable living isn’t just about recycling or renewable energy; it’s also about supporting technology that respects people and communities. Apps designed with social sustainability in mind can:
- Enhance accessibility (e.g., voice commands for visually impaired users).
- Protect privacy (e.g., minimizing data collection).
- Promote local initiatives (e.g., platforms connecting neighbors to share resources).
- A Call for Ethical Tech Leadership
The study urges companies to view social sustainability as a core business goal, not an afterthought. When organizations prioritise these values, they create tools that empower users to live sustainably. Imagine a Canadian app that tracks your carbon footprint and connects you with community clean-up events—all while safeguarding your data.
The Road Ahead
While the Walkthrough is a promising start, the study notes challenges. Developers found the tool somewhat clunky, highlighting the need for more intuitive design. Future versions could integrate directly into coding platforms, offering real-time prompts like:
- “Have you considered accessibility features for this update?”
- “Could this feature harm marginalised groups?”
How You Can Help
As a user, you have power:
- Support ethical tech: Choose apps that prioritise privacy, inclusivity, and community impact.
- Demand transparency: Ask companies how they address social sustainability.
- Advocate for change: Share tools like the Walkthrough with developers in your network.
By pushing for software that values people as much as profit, we can build a digital world that supports—not undermines—our collective journey toward sustainability.
In short: The next time you download an app, consider its social footprint. With tools like the Walkthrough guiding developers, the tech we use daily could become a force for equity, inclusion, and sustainable living—one update at a time.
Source
Promoting social sustainability within software development through the lens of organizational readiness for change theory, Information and Software Technology, 2025-04-26
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